She's been dubbed the world's bendiest woman and, as these extraordinary pictures show, contortionist Julia Guenthel is nothing if not supple.

The blonde bombshell, who performs under the stage name Zlata, can twist her body into the most mind-boggling poses imaginable and has broken several world records for her flexibility.

Russian-born Zlata, 27, has been bending herself into the most improbable shapes since the age of four and is now preparing to be the star of the show at the upcoming International Contortion Convention in Cologne, in her adopted Germany.

The event will feature workshops, shows and various special events with Zlata as the main event.

Agile Zlata, a former gymnast, has been contorting herself ever since joining an after school circus class.

“As soon as I started doing it I was addicted and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” she said.